This is a film with an outstanding cast: Gregory Peck (Capt. Josiah J. Newman, MD), Tony Curtis (Cpl. Jackson 'Jake' Leibowitz), Angie Dickenson (Lt. Francie Corum) and Robert Duvall (Capt. Paul Cabot Winston), to name a few. What is interesting is there are really two films in one. The first involves Dr. Newman trying to treat three patients Col. Norval Algate Bliss (Eddie Albert), Corporal Jim Tompkins (Bobby Darin), and Cabot, all of which have severe psychological disorders (The worst being Bliss who commits suicide). The other involves the relationship between Newman and Jake. It is very similar to the relationship that Curtis had with with Cary Grant in "Operation Petticoat", where his Lt. Holden was the comic con man serving under Lt. Commander Sherman. The only differences were the fact Jake is clearly Jewish, comes from a lower socio-economic background and they will both end up in a different setting then the career Navy men in "Petticoat." Essentially Jake will turn Newman's life upside down, and to be honest for the better. Newman is a career Army man, who never got promoted higher despite always doing the right thing (Such as trying to stop Bliss from active duty, because he is insane, or trying to go through correct channels to get needed things). Spoilers: He had an real eye for Francine because of looks and ability, and it was Jake who showed him how to get her, and she eventually becomes his fiancé. Jake also recommended that Newman quit the military and start his own practice, and when he mentioned it to Francine, she liked the idea. As she said "I want to be having babies." Finally when the Army realized what an asset he was, and wanted him to stay, with a promotion he said no. I think a big part of his decision involved his patients: Bliss in part, died because of the difficulty in overcoming bureaucracy to get him in a hospital. Tompkins who although gets cured by Newman, ends up getting killed in the war,and to make it worse, has no next of kin, so he named Newman. Last but not least is Winston, who Newman admitted to his wife Helene (Bethel Leslie) "That I can't cure him only you can." "Including not dressing like an old maid." Note: Winston came from a upscale family and their marriage was political, and he did not believe she really loved him, and that his mental illness and hiding for two years shamed the family. At first she is offended, but she realizes Newman is right,and listened to him. So, although there is a long way back for Winston, the film shows he is on his way (One scene where Jake has Itallian POW's singing "Hava Nagila" and both Winston's are smiling is proof). Taking this back to Newman, he knew that he would be better off having some happiness in his life with Francie (He particularly did not want to end up like Tompkins (What happened with him shook him up)), and by bringing Jake with him (Jake was the one who saw the problems in Thompkins), he could help even more people than before. It is an interesting film. 8/10 stars.
Review of Captain Newman, M.D.
